Andrew J. Nolte

The day following his 94th birthday, Andrew “Andy” Joseph Nolte passed away on November 20, 2024 at Providence Homes Plus in Topeka, Kansas. He was born, the 9th of 12 children, on November 19, 1930 near Seneca, Kansas, the son of Leo and Catherine Nolte.

In keeping with the difficult times of the era, starting from the age of 10, he spent considerable time living in the homes of others, doing chores and farm work in exchange for room and board. This created the development of an exemplary work ethic that he carried throughout his life. 

Andy graduated high school in 1949 becoming the first person in his family to receive a High School Diploma. At that time, he worked for and lived with Roscoe Barrett, Principal of Havensville High School.

After graduating he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until he enlisted in the US Navy. He served honorably in the Navy from 1951-1955 on the USS Sicily primarily in the South Pacific during the Korean War. For many years Andy was a member, though never attended American Legion Post 400. Andy loved to tell stories about his years in the Navy and as his memory failed him, the stories turned into confabulations that were more interesting than the real thing. 

In 1956 he married Lorine R. Thompson at the courthouse in Holton, Kansas. On that day, after paying the judge, he had a new car and, a five dollar bill. She, a set of pots and pans. From this humble beginning a loving, respectful relationship was formed that produced four children, 4 grandsons and 7 great grandchildren. The years of work, child rearing, construction, travel and retirement somehow added up to 68 1/2 years of marriage. 

In early 1957, Andy began “casing mail” as a clerk at the main US Post Office located at 5th and Kansas Ave. in Topeka, KS. At various times, he served as a “window clerk” in every Topeka post office. Andy served in supervisory positions until 1977 when he was awarded the Postmasters position in Clifton, KS. He retired from the Postal Service in 1986. While living in Clifton he also served one term as the Mayor.

Typical of Andy’s work ethic, he worked two full time jobs for over two years. This allowed Andy to save enough money for the required 20% collateral to borrow enough money to build the first of 6 homes for his family. He was a guard for Brinks Armored Cars by day and at the US Post Office at night. He was often available to help his family and friends with their home improvement projects. 

Toward the end of Andy’s life, he was diagnosed with dementia and lung cancer. Always a busy man, these health issues caused him to struggle with being idle. The family is so grateful to have the loving care of the entire staff of Providence Homes Plus for 7 months. Their care and support along with that of Midland Home Connections made this chapter of Andy’s life the best it could be. 

Andy is survived by his wife Lorine, daughter Kathy (David) Gattinger of Maumelle, Arkansas, son Wade Nolte of Redwood, California, daughter Cindy Gory, daughter in-law Annamaria Nolte; grandsons, Jason (Erin) and Corban Nolte, all of Topeka, Lance (Cari) Nolte of Vancouver, WA and Travis (Juliana) Gory of Harrington DE. Great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Quinn, Harper, Jackson, Chase Nolte, and Alexander (AJ) and Cameron Gory; his sister Irene Myers of Idaho, and many loving nieces and nephews. 

 Andy was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bradly (Brad), and ten of his eleven siblings. 

Please join the family in celebrating Andy’s well lived life which will be held at Dove SW 3700 SW Wannamaker Rd. December 3rd Memorial Service  1:30 pm Please plan to stay after to share stories and enjoy with the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Midland Care Connection Midland Care or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

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